Is microwave size based on the inside dimensions or outside dimensions?

A:

Quick Answer

The size advertised on a microwave's product page usually corresponds to the microwave's interior cubic feet measurement, according to Best Buy's Microwave Buying Guide. Manufacturers find this cubic feet measurement by multiplying the microwave's length, width and height together and dividing that figure by 1,728.

Keep Learning

Many microwave product descriptions also list the external dimensions of the particular microwave, but these dimensions appear in length, width and height rather than in cubic feet. Internal capacity is important for determining which dishes can fit inside the microwave, but external dimensions are important for determining the counter space or kitchen shelf space necessary to house the microwave.